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A “flash protest” against the tax bill, organized by Action Together New Jersey, brought dozens of people to Republican Congressman Leonard Lance’s office in Westfield Monday.A “flash protest” against the tax bill, organized by Action Together New Jersey, brought dozens of ...Credits: Jackie Lieberman

Congressman Lance invited about 15 of the protesters into his office to discuss their concerns. Congressman Lance invited about 15 of the protesters into his office to discuss their concerns. Credits: Jackie Lieberman

Congressman Lance invited about 15 of the protesters into his office to discuss their concerns. Congressman Lance invited about 15 of the protesters into his office to discuss their concerns. Credits: Jackie Lieberman

A “flash protest” against the tax bill, organized by Action Together New Jersey, brought dozens of people to Republican Congressman Leonard Lance’s office in Westfield Monday.A “flash protest” against the tax bill, organized by Action Together New Jersey, brought dozens of ...Credits: Jackie Lieberman

A “flash protest” against the tax bill, organized by Action Together New Jersey, brought dozens of people to Republican Congressman Leonard Lance’s office in Westfield Monday.A “flash protest” against the tax bill, organized by Action Together New Jersey, brought dozens of ...Credits: Jackie Lieberman

By JACKIE LIEBERMAN

December 5, 2017 at 5:21 PM

WESTFIELD, NJ — A “flash protest” against the tax bill, organized by Action Together New Jersey, brought dozens of people to Republican Congressman Leonard Lance’s office in Westfield Monday. It was one of several simultaneous protests held across the state.

Lance voted “no” to the bill, and said in a statement Nov. 16, “I believe tax reform should benefit all Americans and not pick winner states over loser states. Yet the House-passed proposal would negatively affect too many hard-working constituents and small businesses in my congressional district and many other parts of New Jersey. That’s why leading business groups and elected officials across the Garden State oppose this tax reform as currently drafted. We need tax reform that is fair for all Americans — including the taxpayers of New Jersey — and I will continue to work toward that goal.”

On Monday, he invited about 15 of the protesters into his office to discuss their concerns. Several times, he told his constituents that he agrees with them.

“I will not vote for the Senate version of the bill and I did not vote for the House version of the bill,” he told the group. When pressed, Lance answered that would not vote for the bill “unless it changes dramatically.”

Asked how he can justify signing a bill without any discussion or dissent, Lance responded, “I do not justify it, and I’m unlikely to vote for it.”

Among the issues protestors had with the bill is the elimination of the deduction for state and local taxes (SALT). Lance said he wanted to see complete retention of those deductions.

“I have fought on several fronts but the front on which I have fought most vigorously is the SALT issue because that is of great deal of importance, in my opinion, to New Jersey,” he told the group.

Lance also said he did not want to see the deficit increase.

“I’m a budget hawk. That is my reputation in New Jersey. I’m New Jersey’s leading opponent of borrowing without voter approval,” he said. “I don’t like to see deficits increase at all.”

Lance said that he thinks corporate taxes should be lowered.

“There’s a debate on that, but I would lower it,” he said. “But I would prefer that it be similar to what small businesses are likely to pay — the so-called pass-throughs.”

Outside, Shelly Morningstar, chair of the Mount Olive Democrats and spokesperson for Action Together New Jersey said she was pleased to hear that Lance committed to voting no on the bill. As a single mom who works as a freelance communications specialist, she noted that she and her daughter receive health care from the Affordable Care Act.

“I encourage him to use his leadership with his colleagues in Congress to send this tax bill back for full bipartisan deliberation that will aid middle class families, hard-working New Jersey residents and low-income families,” Morningstar said. “If this tax bill is passed as-is, our family will no longer have health care, nor will I be able to itemize health care premiums and business expenses, and it will directly impact and increase my state and local taxes. This bill is devastating to millions of New Jerseyans and Americans.”

CLARK, NJ - The Frank K. Hehnly School Mentoring LINKS (Looking Into the Needs of Kids) program was in full swing at a "Bowling and Burgers" event. Students and their mentors visited Garwood Lanes where they formed teams and worked together to earn the highest score.

According to Mentor LINKS advisor Nina Conner, the students had a great time. “Everyone enjoyed the music, aimed for strikes, ...

CLARK, NJ - The Frank K. Hehnly School Mentoring LINKS (Looking Into the Needs of Kids) program was ...

CLARK, NJ – The Clark Volunteer Emergency Squad is seeking drivers for overnight shifts, from 6pm to 6am. Councilman Pat O’Connor, who serves as liaison to the Emergency Squad, encourages those interested to email membership@clarkems.org. All training will be provided for new drivers, O’Connor explained during a recent Clark Town Council Meeting.

CLARK, NJ- The Arthur L. Johnson High School Crusaders kicked off their new season at home against the Morris Catholic High School Crusaders (Denville). After a slow start, a quick offensive push sparked the home team, who fought to a 17-17 tie with 4:49 left in the second quarter.

The visiting Crusaders found a way around the push from the home Crusaders as the rest of the quarter winded ...

CLARK, NJ- The Arthur L. Johnson High School Crusaders kicked off their new season at home against ...

CLARK, NJ - Mrs. Winthers’s keyboarding students at Arthur L. Johnson High School prepared thank you letters to service members who are deployed during the holidays. Students were asked to compose a positive message thanking members of the military for their service to the country which allows citizens the ability to peacefully enjoy freedom at home.

CLARK, NJ – Clark’s new recycling program will take effect on January 1, 2019. Ahead of this change, all homeowners will receive a new 96-gallon blue recycling cart during the week of December 17, Business Administrator John Laezza announced during the Town Council meeting on December 3.

As reported this past summer, the Township secured a five-year contract with a new recycling company, ...

CLARK, NJ – Clark’s new recycling program will take effect on January 1, 2019. Ahead of this ...

SCOTCH PLAINS, N.J. -- James Scacifero and Julian Kaniuka each won two races to help the Union Catholic swim team remain undefeated with a 125-45 victory over Johnson on Thursday night at the Jewish Community Center in Scotch Plains.

Scacifero, a senior, won the 100 freestyle in 59.24 and the 200 freestyle in 2:10.52 and Kaniuka, a freshman, won the 50 freestyle in 24.14 and the 100 butterfly ...

SCOTCH PLAINS, N.J. -- James Scacifero and Julian Kaniuka each won two races to help the Union ...

CLARK, NJ – During the month of November, Clark UNICO, in conjunction with local residents, collected new socks, pajamas, hats, gloves and scarves to help benefit the St. Joseph’s Social Service Center’s Giving Tree Program.

The center, located in Elizabeth, holds a gift distribution program annually. Clients begin signing up in September, resulting in approximately 2,500 requests to the ...

CLARK, NJ – During the month of November, Clark UNICO, in conjunction with local residents, ...

CLARK, NJ - The Clark Police have issued a road work advisory for Friday, December 14. According to police, the intersection of Oak Ridge Road and Lake Avenue will be paved between the hours of 9:00 a.m.and 3:00 p.m.

Starting at 9:00 a.m. the westbound traffic on Raritan Road will be detoured onto Featherbed Lane and then onto Tudor Drive to Lake Avenue. During this time, no left turns will ...

CLARK, NJ - The Clark Police have issued a road work advisory for Friday, December 14. According ...